By Boat
We are the only hotel in the South West to have our own private pontoon, meaning getting to The Greenbank by boat is a breeze. The waterways make for a much more scenic and special experience than our roads and railways. With a network of ferries and water taxis connecting land and sea, opt to take the ocean route. If you’ve got your own set of sails, you can even use our pontoon to moor up and stay as long as you like.
The map of the river
From Truro…
Embark on the ultimate scenic journey from Truro to Falmouth, when you travel to The Greenbank by boat. Depending on tide times, the journey should take about an hour and a half. Depart from the Cornish capital, and sail along the meandering waters of the Fal River, passing the charming cottages of Malpas, wooded creeks that hold centuries of secrets, and curious coves only accessible by boat.
As you glide your way down the narrow estuary, you’ll pass iconic landmarks such as Tregothnan (famous for its Cornish tea, the first ever in the UK!), Trelissick – a beautiful National Trust estate, the coastal parish of Feock, and the famous Pandora Inn. With Mylor and Flushing on your right, and the Roseland peninsula on your left, it’s plain sailing to our hotel on the water.
The Enterprise Boats depart four times a day between Malpas and Falmouth, and on selected dates throughout the year, between Truro and Falmouth. Dependent on weather conditions and tide times.
From The Helford…
Just around the corner from Falmouth, lies the Helford River – a dreamy area of outstanding beauty. With so many inlets and coves along the coast, many choose to manoeuvre around these parts on paddleboard, kayak or sailboat.
If you’re travelling to The Greenbank by boat from the Helford River, prepare to marvel at ancient oak forest lining the riverbanks, and shingled shores tucked away off the beaten track. Drift past the idyllic Frenchman’s Creek, made famous by Daphne du Maurier’s novel. Then you’ll glide by the sub-tropical gardens of Glendurgan, before arriving into Falmouth, via the most popular beaches like Swanpool and Gyllyngvase.
Use the Helford River Boats to book a water taxi or ferry on this route.
From St Mawes…
The quickest and easiest way to navigate from the historic fishing village of St Mawes to our maritime port in Falmouth is by boat. Connected by the Cornish waters, hop on a ferry, or set sail in your own craft, for a speedy 20 minute journey (beating the hour-long drive it would take by road).
Not only is this the most convenient way to travel between the two, it’s also the far more picturesque route. Watch as the magnificent St Mawes Castle disappears on the horizon, as you cruise along the sparkling waters, passing other bobbing boats, buoys, and even seals and other marine life. As you approach our town, you’ll spot some of the iconic landmarks, including the National Maritime Museum, and St Mawes’ sister fortress, Pendennis Castle.
The St Mawes Ferry takes just 20 minutes, and runs three times an hour in the summer months, depending on weather conditions.
Swap the wheels for the water…
The King Harry Ferry
The King Harry Ferry is not only a fantastically convenient way to travel by boat, it is also a historic mode of transport for the South of Cornwall, and a cherished part of Cornwall’s heritage. Established in the 1800s, the chain ferry carries over 300,000 cars every year. This saves nearly a million litres of fuel annually, and has the strength to lift up to ten double decker buses!
Driving onboard couldn’t be simpler, as the King Harry Ferry runs seven days a week, 365 days a year. Covering St Mawes, The Roseland, Feock, Truro and Falmouth, there are plenty of options for all journeys.
